British beef back on Greek menus
18 February 2000
British beef back on Greek menus
By FWi staff
BRITISH beef will soon be back on the menu in Greece after an absence of four years, following the signing of two major export deals.
The Intercontinental Hotel in Athens and a major catering company placed orders for British beef, after the Meat and Livestock Commission hosted a beef banquet in Athens for industry and government leaders.
In addition, Welsh Beef and Lamb, which already exports lamb to Greece, has picked up new business.
Welsh Beef and Lamb managing director Don Thomas told the Radio 4 Farming Today programme that Greek customers are attracted by the natural “green grass” imagery associated with Wales.
He added that inroads made by Welsh lamb into the Greek market were another important factor.
The EU lifted its three-and-a-half year BSE ban on British beef in August last year. France and Germany still refuse to accept British beef, citing health fears.
The European Commission has begun legal proceedings to force both countries to lift their embargoes.